RuneScape Forum Archive | Duty and Sacrifice

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Please note that this story is made with assumptions, guess work and fanon and will most likely be rendered completely incorrect when we finally get to visit New Domina. The purpose of this story is to explore a "what-if?" scenario and play around with the idea that a mod proposed of Garlandia being extremely biased and not telling the whole truth.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:18:44

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Dim light crept through windows bearing a four pointed star and into the dwelling. There, on beds of white stone lay thirteen beings cocooned within their wings for warmth. The walls bore armaments of all kinds, swords, warhammers, spears, halberds, and shields, of round and kite variations with the same crest as the window emblazoned upon them. To the side of each bed was a chest, and in front of that a pair light plated boots. As the light made its way to the bed closest to the window, its inhabitant began to stir. He was the eldest among them, and his body showed it’s age, his skin was rough and wrinkled, the gauntness of his face was made more apparent by his goatee which has a contrast of black and white hairs, and along the left side of his temple to his lower jaw he bore a scar from a vicious wound which he had earned from an encounter with a demon which had made its way to New Domina with more of its misbegotten ilk. His body bore fine hairs, most prominent upon his forearms and chest, despite its age, it still had strong muscles that made him larger than average for his species.

He freed his legs from his snow white wings and began to rise, as he did so a cacophony of bones snapping and popping into place could be heard, he yawned, rubbed his eyes and began to dress himself. He was a sergeant in charge of this group of icyene, and as such his chest plate bore the symbol of his god, Saradomin, and his shield bore his own crest, in this case, a drop of blood with a Saradomin star in the centre on a golden background, it was designed in a way to give the impression that light was shining from the drop.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:18:52 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:30:57 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

He picked up the shield and began to look it over, tracing the dents and scars upon it to the many battles over his career; however, he also remembered why he chose this particular design. Unlike many other sergeants that he knew, who’s heraldry was intricate and designed to stand out with no greater purpose than to show that the one bearing the shield was a sergeant, his had a deeper meaning. It represented that through duty and sacrifice, one could purify themselves of their sins and regrets, and he had much to regret.

In his youth he had fallen in with a group of rebels, during the time when their god was absent from the world and took most of the military with him. He and many others thought their Lord had abandoned them and as such, rebelled against those who represented him and were left behind. He took orders from a woman called Garlandia, who came from high status and thought that the icyene were better of ruling themselves, and that those who depended upon their now absent patron should be humiliated and made to see the error of their ways. To that end they robbed farmers, destroyed property, and sometimes committed murder and torture. Garlandia herself had a favoured punishment for those who held onto their faith despite the callous torments the rebels visited upon them; she would have their wings removed and leave them to die in the coming winter. This made him question her, never openly for fear that he may himself suffer such a grisly fate, but he never left because Garlandia had a way of justifying even the most heinous of atrocities and cruelties, and always talked how the icyene deserved self determination without gods interfering.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:18:58 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 17:16:18 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The sergeant then snapped back from his melancholic memories, this was the last day until the migration to a new island, and thus required his troops to be ready earlier than normal to help with the last minute preparations and packing. He finished putting his chest plate over his chain shirt and grabbed a horn from his trunk. It was made of an animal’s horn and reinforced with sliver metal bands and a sliver mouthpiece. The silver had an intricate design of whorls and other markings, it was yet another symbol of his station, and he had inherited it from the previous sergeant when he retired. He looked over to another stone bed and looked at his assistant, corporal Sophia, she was pale skinned, lean yet strong, and had golden hair kept short due to military standard, there had been a few times as of late where he had been incapacitated and she led his troops during a battle. She had a natural charisma about her and the soldiers looked to her to guidance. She would make a fine replacement, he thought to himself smiling, and one day, she too would inherit this horn.

He made his way to the other side of the room at the entrance; he put the horn to his lips and let out a low pitched bellow from the horn. The sleeping icyene were startled at the sound of the horn and scrambled to get ready. In a few moments, two rows of troops were standing beside their beds in uniform and saluting him.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:04 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:31:37 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“At ease” he said in a deep voice, the soldiers put their hands at their sides. The sergeant raised his voice and said “As you know, today is the day we migrate to a new island, so start packing up our equipment and getting it aboard the barge, then we’re going to do a sweep of our district of the city and ensure no elders or children are left behind.” The troops responded unanimously with “Yes Sergeant Ormus, sir!” and began to gather the armaments off the walls and putting them into boxes to be carried on one of the barges designated for weapons and armour, the only weapons that weren't in those boxes would be their weapons for the day. Most of his men carried swords and round shields, Ormus chose a spear and his heraldic crest.

As he and his men worked, Sergeant Ormus’ mind began to wander back to his days as a rebel, more specifically, Saradomin’s return. Many had feared that he would bring merciless judgement down upon them, as punishment for what they had done. However, he simply invited all high ranking members of the rebellion, which Ormus was, to a meeting he was holding in the largest structure, a cathedral which had remained mostly intact, on the island the icyene people currently inhabited. Many thought it a trap in which Saradomin planned on making an example of the leadership. Still, it was no use hiding from a god of his calibre, and they went to the gathering, despite their dread. Ormus and several others strode cautiously into the massive stone cathedral, whose stained glass windows had been shattered, it’s tapestries torn down, the statues of Saradomin and other saints that flanked the entrance had been either destroyed or defaced, and it’s pew*s were broken and cast aside. Along the walls were carvings of the icyene’s historical dealings with Saradomin, who was depicted aiding them in building great stone cities for them to dwell in that wouldn’t be destroyed with the coming of winter.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:09 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 17:11:33 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

It also showed him teaching the tribal icyene how to farm and build boats so they could progress as a society past a nomadic hunter-gatherer state and bring more than simply what they could carry while migrating. It shamed him to know that he took part in vandalizing an important part of their history, with Saradomin’s face being scratched out in the carvings and the words liar and betrayer etched into the walls. Behind the desecrated altar of the cathedral stood Saradomin, standing with his back to a broken window, its frame silhouetted his figure. Ormus wouldn’t forget the sight of such a being, a light shade of blue skin that seemed to glow, he was clad in fine robes of blue and adorned in golden metal, and with a sad and weary face instead of the one of seething rage and fury like he expected. Then he said something he never thought a god would, he said that he was wrong and had made many mistakes, and that he was not mad at them, at least, not all of them.

His voice captivated them, all they could do was listen intently to the booming, yet sorrowful, voice of the god. He told them of a time when he had became a god, how his arrogance and pride brought ruin to a world despite his attempts to atone, and how he based his dealings with the icyene upon it. Yet he now realized he again made a mistake, that he had made us too reliant upon him, we relied upon him for knowledge, protection, and aid in times of hardship, like a father who never allowed his children to stand up for themselves. He told them of his reasons for leaving with most of the army, that he had fought a war on a world which contained many artefacts of great power, which gods, both benevolent and malevolent lusted for. He explained that if he did not fight that war he risked a malevolent god winning and becoming unstoppable, thus putting them at risk.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:15 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:33:10 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

He then offered them a deal, we would be granted pardons for our crimes, except for the murderers in our ranks, and in exchange we would join his army which had been decimated by a war among the gods. He said that from this point onward, he will allow his followers to govern themselves, with him serving as a guide and protector in times of strife. Despite Garlandia’s opinion that they should refuse what she called an ultimatum, the rest of them decided that since Saradomin confessed his sins to them and has told them what he did to attempt to atone for them, they should follow his example.

After being sent to spread the news to the other rebels, they all gathered at the cathedral and one by one they were given their choice of what part of the army to join. Ormus remembered being outside and seeing those who had committed murder being led away to be executed by battle scarred veteran warriors. When Saradomin’* gaze fell upon Ormus he couldn’t help but break down and confess his crimes of assault and robbery, yet Saradomin simply looked disappointed in him and asked which part of the military he would like to join. He chose infantry. As he was being escorted to the door to be led to the training camp he heard a familiar voice, it was Garlandia, she had been the one who hated the idea despite Saradomin telling them of his failures. She accused him of being a tyrant and simply using mortals in his own quest for power. There was great amount of disturbance with the other icyene gathered here, and as Ormus turned to look at what happened he saw what he had dreaded.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:21 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:33:26 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

Saradomin was outraged at the icyene who stood before him and spat upon what he saw as an act of mercy, he had known what Garlandia did to those who held true to him and yet he was giving her a second chance since she had not commited murder, and in a few moments, Saradomin had subdued her and had dragged her to the centre of the cathedral.

Ormus and the others gathered around the spectacle and an aura of dread and apprehension filled the cathedral. A loud, booming voice echoed throughout the building “See what happens to those who dare spit upon an act of mercy despite their crimes! This woman has disfigured many icyene and left them to die a horrible death at the cold hands of winter! Perhaps she should share this fate?!” Ormus and the others watched in horror as Saradomin tore the wings from the pleading icyene, the sight of the blood, the sound of the bones snapping, and most of all, the high pitched cry of agony that rang throughout the cathedral would forever haunt him. Garlandia was seen out of the cathedral and the precession continued with many of the icyene now fearful and somewhat hesitant.

While the events in the cathedral had troubled him for years, Ormus never truly blamed Saradomin for his actions. In hindsight, he probably helped the icyene avoid a bloody civil war, and he had taken steps to appease both sides by offering guidance and protection, but also independence and allowing their society to develop on its own. Garlandia had done many things that bothered him, her actions seemed more motivated out of a hatred of gods and authority figures than out of a desire for self determination, as Saradomin had admitted his faults and given the rebels what they claimed they wanted.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:27 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:33:54 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

In the end. he never knew what became of her, some said that she had perished in the winter that followed, others claim that she had survived due to the aid of rebels who shared her opinions, whether this were true or not, Ormus couldn’t say. He served Saradomin with loyalty and devotion, despite the unease many of his fellow icyene had around rebels, he was promoted to sergeant and trusted with many important jobs ranging from dealing with demons and bandits to the task he had now. Looking back on it all, he hopes that Saradomin would be proud of his service, despite his failings.

The voice of Sophia called Ormus back to the present. She calmly informed him that they were packed and ready to proceed with migration protocols. Ormus turned to her smiling and said “Thank you, corporal. Let’s continue with the task at hand.” Ormus led his men out of their barracks and led them through their duties. It was a typical migration, and Ormus had done this many times before, however, it was still somewhat surreal to see streets normally filled with banners, people, animals and carts with goods empty and with practically anything that wasn’t bolted down taken to be brought to the next city. Because of this, icyene did not own many possessions and had most of their furniture built into the actual city so they wouldn't have to load too much furniture into the barges that ferried them between islands. Regardless, this part of the procedure was usually uneventful, if anything, all they did was find lost children who had gotten separated from their parents, usually finding their parents as well who were looking for them.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:33 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:34:47 by Siegfreid

Apr

2012

Siegfreid

Posts: 1,129 Mithril Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

The sun had begun to set on the island and would not be seen for in many years time. It seemed that this would simply be another uneventful migration, they came upon a terrifying discovery in one of the back alleys of a residential part of their district that was the first spot to head for the barges. Demons had always been able to manifest themselves on other worlds, or raid them in small if they were feeling bold enough and the cause was deemed worth it. In this case, the demons may be intent on killing many icyene civilians who would have most of their weapons and armour packed away and a skeleton crew of guards to keep the peace. The demonic symbols in a magical symbol suggested this to be the an invasion from actual demons, not mere manifestations. It had an eerie, pale green glow about it and many ominous symbols within it, including that of the accursed Zamorak. There was no telling how long it had been there, but if the barges hadn’t left when they arrived they would be in danger. Ormus ordered his men to prepare themselves and wait for his signal.

An eruption of flame spouted from the ground and from it emerged all manner of foul demons. From the tiny and vicious imp, to the massive general towering over his troops. His skin was of an orange hue and appeared to glow like the hot embers of a fire, he was adorned with a massive set of wings and a massive set of horns, curled in such a way as to almost resemble Zamorak’s accursed symbol, may as well have been made of obsidian.

The

Aegis

Endures

We are united in Saradomin's light. From this unity we draw strength.

13-Sep-2014 05:19:39 - Last edited on 13-Sep-2014 05:35:07 by Siegfreid

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Duty and Sacrifice